Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has dismissed claims by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and the Opposition that the Kenya Kwanza administration is plotting to rig the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Kuria East on Saturday, Kindiki accused the Opposition of panicking ahead of the polls and engaging in early attempts to discredit the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
“Our opponents are already panicking and blackmailing the newly sworn-in IEBC. Commissioners are referees. They cannot favour anyone or influence election results,” Kindiki stated.
He emphasized that the Ruto-led administration has no intention of influencing the electoral body, asserting that any such move would be unconstitutional. The Deputy President further noted that the government has a well-crafted development agenda that it will present to Kenyans as the basis for seeking re-election.
“We don’t need any favour from the IEBC. Doing so would be unconstitutional and a violation of the law. We wish the IEBC well. We are telling our opponents to prepare themselves for a major duel,” Kindiki said.
He urged the Opposition to focus on building their own agenda and preparing for a competitive election rather than casting doubts on the credibility of the electoral process.
The remarks came in response to a statement by Kalonzo Musyoka on Friday, in which he alleged that President William Ruto had influenced the appointment of the new IEBC commissioners. Kalonzo described the newly constituted electoral body as a “handpicked Ruto commission,” raising fears of possible manipulation of the 2027 elections.
“To the new IEBC, please do not try Kenyans. Already, the irregularities are far too many. Therefore, stand warned that any attempt to tamper with the electoral process will be met with unrelenting resistance. The will of the people is not negotiable,” Kalonzo warned.
The new IEBC commissioners were officially sworn in by Chief Justice Martha Koome on Friday. As the political temperature begins to rise in the lead-up to 2027, both camps are setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested election.
